Black and White image of a German Shepherd Dog

How many different coat types are there for German Shepherd dogs?

There are predominantly 4 different coat types for German Shepherd dogs, however, there is a 5^th one – which is as listed below:

Short coated Gsd laid in a down position with a ball between front paws from unsplash — Short Coated Gsd

Short-coated: This is the most common coat type for German Shepherds. The hair is dense and straight, and the undercoat is soft and thick.
Long-coated: These dogs have longer hair, especially around the ears, legs, and tail. The hair is usually wavy or slightly curly.
Double-coated: German Shepherds with a double coat have a thick, soft undercoat and a dense, coarse outer coat. This coat type provides excellent protection against cold weather.
Plush-coated: Plush-coated German Shepherds have a dense, soft undercoat and a longer, softer outer coat. The hair is usually wavy or slightly curly.
Wire-coated: This coat type is rare and not recognised by all breed standards. Dogs with a wire coat have a harsh, rough outer coat and a dense undercoat. The hair is usually longer around the face and legs.

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It is however, worth noting that coat types can vary within the same litter of German Shepherds and not all coat types are accepted as “breed standards”.

German shepherd running through grass and woodland

German Shepherd Coat Types

Great reference points for the German Shepherd Dog Breed “Standards”?

View the German Shepherd Breed “Standards” by clicking on this link to

The Kennel Club UK.

BAGSD Ltd (British Association For German Shepherd Dogs Ltd)

**Disclaimer

thegermanshepherddog.co.uk does not provide veterinary advice, nor does it claim to be an alternative to seeking professional advice. All content is therefore for informational purposes only.